Official: Keep social workers safe

March 18, 2012 |

Victoria Marion, president of the Ohio chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, will call on agencies and universities to do more to promote safety measures for social workers when she speaks at Social Work Day on Friday, March 23 on the campus of Youngstown State University.

The event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center, is held in recognition of Social Work Month in March.

Marion speaks at 9:45 a.m. She is preceded on the program at 8:50 a.m. by Danielle Smith, executive director of the Ohio chapter of NASW, who will talk about “The Legacy of Social Work.” Also on the agenda is Dennis Morawski, chair of YSU’s Department of Social Work, and Bradley Smith, director of Ohio NASW Region IV.

NASW strongly advocates that improved safety precautions be taken for all social workers, both at the agency level with improved practices and at the university level to prepare future social workers. In a study from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, more than 70 percent of the affiliates reported that front-line workers in their agencies have been victims of violence or experienced threats of violence in the line of duty, and over 30 percent reported incidents involving physical assault.

The YSU Department of Social Work sponsors Social Work Day to celebrate the profession of social work and to honor—and thank—the many field educators who give of their time and expertise each year to supervise BSW and MSW student field interns.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. The Ohio Chapter consists of 3,900 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.